Showjumping: Jobless Hanley misses defence

Cameron Hanley, winner of last year's King George V Gold Cup at Hickstead, has lost his job with an Isle of Man stable and will not be defending his title at the Sussex showground on Sunday.

The 28-year-old, who galloped into the record books by also winning the Dublin and Millstreet Grands Prix last season, was stunned by the news.

Yesterday, at the opening of the Hickstead show, he said: 'The owners of the Ballaseyr stables decided to close down and the five horses I rode for them are being sent to Holland.

'There was no warning - I was told last Wednesday. I thought everything was going well and, as far as I was concerned, it was. I don't think the closure had anything to do with me. It was strictly a business decision and I just happened to get caught up in it.

'Now I am looking for new owners to ride for and might even start up my own stables. I know that will be difficult and if I could find a sponsor, that would obviously help.'

Hanley triumphed in the King George V Gold Cup on Ballaseyr Twilight on his debut ride at the famous Hickstead course. It was an incredible performance and the Irishman is back to cheer on his old friend Peter Charles. He is one of the best riders in the world and helped to get Hanley his job in the Isle of Man.

Charles hasn't been without his problems, too, having lost his main sponsor Traxdata, which has gone into administrative receivership. However, he has been running his own stables at Alton in Hampshire and has been experiencing a great deal of success both here and abroad. Earlier this season he helped the Irish team win the European Championship at Arnhem.

On that form, Britain could be hard-pressed to beat the Irish but Michael Whitaker, Di Lampard, Scott Smith and Mark Armstrong, who trailed in ninth in Arnhem, hope to regain some confidence on home ground.

Germany also look to be a danger. Otto Becker leads their side on Lando, the Sydney silver medallist stallion when ridden by Dutchman Albert Voorn.

Yesterday at Hickstead, 12-year-old Harry Skelton, son of former champion Nick, proved he was as tough as his father.

Riding Fontmell Rasputin in the Oakley Coachbuilders Championship, Harry took a tumble when his pony refused at one of the obstacles but he was soon back on his feet unhurt.

Anneli Drummond-Hay, 63, who thrilled equestrian fans four decades ago, rode November Rain and Phoenix in the two-phase Coyle Hamilton Challenge. But she finished unplaced on both behind William Funnell on Kristel, who was clear in 53.07sec.

Drummond-Hay emigrated to South Africa for 24 years but is now living in Holland, having gone there in 1994 to ride in the World Championships in The Hague.

She is based in Eindhoven and spends her time competing, instructing, riding and training horses.

Before turning to showjumping, this remarkable woman was a three-day event rider who won both Burghley and Badminton in 1960 with her legendary horse Merely-A-Monarch.

THE Crazyhorse Summer Ball is being held at Lingfield Park racecourse on Saturday, August 4. There will be eventing, showjumping, dressage, racing and polo during the afternoon followed by an evening of celebrations.